It proved to be a very different show, as not only did the Honest Liars present a brand new game, but there was a tinge of sadness.

The last day of daylight saving didn’t faze the exuberance of the Honest Liars players as they arrived at the theatre ready to play to a nearly full audience.

The fact there were so many tickets sold was a surprise considering the nation’s state was still in the Red Light level. It seemed that the virus would not overshadow the fun they came to have.

The chairs were sorted, the signs went out, and the air conditioning was cranked up. Yes, temperatures were climbing not only with the climate but with the fun the players were having during their warm-ups.

At 7 pm, the Honest Liars disappeared into the backroom to make way for the influx of audience members. Finally, all was ready, the music increased, and the lights dimmed as Kathy, the emcee, made her way to the stage.

Warming the crowd up with lessons on how to clap, the players ran out and onto the stage to begin the first game of ‘Questions’, which had them in a barbershop on Uranus.

‘Pocket Note’ saw Kim and Jon working in an S.T.D. Clinic in Huntly when in came Brett with a major problem. What happened next had the crowd erupting into laughter as the pocket note lines were read. After examination, Kim exclaimed, “it’s so fatty”.

Then after Jon asked, “have you ever had genital warts?” the scene collapsed into a riot of improbable antics that have never been seen before in any clinic.

After a short break for patrons to refill their glasses, it was time to introduce the new game.

Drum roll, please!!!

‘The Relay’ 

Typically the Honest Liars play short-form games similar to ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ but now they were ready to spread their wings and take on long-form. This is one game lasting for the entire second half of the show.

The game, created by the talented Honest Liars player, Jon Boyer, is all based on one word given by the audience. In this case, the word was “Tyrannosaurus”, and so the players began.

Going in turns of two players at a time, the game unfolded, starting with two palaeontologists discovering bones.

As one character left the scene, the next player in line entered, and the story continued. All players then shifted one seat until all players had their turn. Then came the thrilling bit. It was all reversed! The players had to remember who they had been, what had happened, where everyone was, and help progress the story to a final conclusion ending with the original two players.

It went off without a hitch!

The audience was enchanted, and afterwards, glowing comments were given.

“How did you all remember it?”

“Loved the game, so incredibly clever.”

“Laughed till I almost peed my pants.”

Then several signed up for the workshop JOIN HERE on Saturday 21st May, eager to have another fun day out.

With the excellent audience reaction, the Honest Liars decided to keep ‘The Relay’ in the shows. If you want to witness this great game in action, come along to the next show!

It was time to say goodnight to the audience, but there was one last thing to do before the players left the stage.

A beautiful, large bunch of flowers was brought forward and given to the Honest Liars player, Kim. Kim and her family are sadly heading back to their home in the U.S.A. after being in N.Z. for several years. Kim has been a fabulous player with the group since its inception, and she will be sorely missed. Thank you, Kim, for all the wonderful lines, the camaraderie and your dedication to improv.

Then it was time for the lights to go off and the players to head to The Strand for a wind-down drink before heading home with applause still ringing in their heads.

Thanks to players

Kathy Kelly Brett Sally Mark

Sue Matt Jon Kim

Thanks to the Crew: Fee.

 

The next show on the Black Box Stage is on Sunday 4th June at 7.30 pm

Book your tickets and join the players for loads of laughs.

1^st Saturday of every month.
16th Ave Theatre.
16th Avenue, Tauranga.
Show Starts: 7.30 p.m.
Licenced bar available.